What Are The Signs Of A Bad Volvo Starter?

The starter is one of the smallest components in a car. But as small and as simple as it looks, your car can’t start without it. That is in fact, why it is referred to as the starter. Being a vital car component, it is the last part of your car you’d want anyone to mess with. You have no choice but to ensure it is always in a good condition. Volvo has made it easy for car owners to keep an eye on starters. The automotive giant now features starters with microchips that send signals to the car diagnostic system anytime the starter has a problem. Your cars will therefore prompt you or it may even have the check engine light on. You can then have the problem fixed before it worsens. But what happens when you drive a Volvo that doesn’t feature the said automation? It is simple. Watch out for the following signs of a bad Volvo starter.

Car Refuses To Start

This is without a doubt the most common sign of a faulty car starter. The car simply refuses to start when you ignite it. Most modern Volvo models use electronic keys which do not come along with a manual ignition switch. But when powered, the ignition switch should send a signal to the car starter relay. This should happen as soon as the starter button is pressed or as soon as the key is turned on. If nothing happens, then the starter has a problem. The most likely culprit in this case is a failed circuit. This means the car won’t start no matter how many times you try. Your mechanic should help you find where the circuit broke and fix it. This may mean replacing a fuse or a relay.

Starter Still Stays On After Engine Has Started

The ignition circuit is supposed to close and immediately discontinue power to the starter motor as soon as you start the engine and release the key. This is how all modern Volvo models are designed. So you have a problem if the starter still stays on after you have already ignited the engine. This usually means main contacts in the starter relay have welded together in a closed position. Address this problem immediately you notice it. Ignoring it will make the starter relay get stuck in the on position. This will damage the starter relay, the circuit and the transmission flywheel.

Clicking Sound

It is one of the most common signs of a faulty starter. The clicking sound means the starter relay is not transmitting full signal. Since the relay is an all or nothing device, it will either send full electrical signal to the starter or nothing at all. It cannot send signals in bits. So anytime you experience clicking sounds as you try to start your car, check the relay. You may have to replace it for your car to start.

Other Signs

Be sure to inspect your car battery if the starter fails. Chances are, the battery is low or energy, it has run out or battery water or it has surpassed its lifespan. If any of these two happen, the car won’t start.